Vehicle power supply apparatus

ABSTRACT

A vehicle power supply apparatus includes first and second device batteries, a power supply line, and a current path. The power supply line includes first, second, and third segments. The first segment is coupled between a first end of the power supply line and a first diode. The second segment is coupled between the first diode and a first switch. The third segment is coupled between the first switch and a second end of the power supply line. The current path is routed from the third segment to the first segment through a second diode, to bypass the second segment. An electric device of a vehicle is coupled to the first segment. The second device battery is coupled to the second segment. The first device battery is coupled to the third segment through a second switch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-097615 filed on May 24, 2019, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The technology relates to a vehicle power supply apparatus that supplies electric power to an electric device of a vehicle.

In recent years, some vehicles include a plurality of device batteries and are able to supply electric power from any one of the device batteries to an electric device of the vehicle. Examples of the electric device of the vehicle may include, without limitation, auxiliaries that contribute to travel of the vehicle. The device batteries are, for example, 12-volt accumulators. In engine vehicles, the device batteries are also called batteries for auxiliaries.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (JP-A) No. 2018-198519 describes a vehicle including a first accumulator and a second accumulator. The first accumulator and the second accumulator supply electric power to an electric motor coupled to an engine. The vehicle of JP-A No. 2018-198519 is provided with a power supply apparatus including two switches. One switch is able to isolate the electric motor and the first accumulator from each other. The other switch is able to isolate the electric motor and the second accumulator from each other.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the technology provides a vehicle power supply apparatus including a first device battery, a second device battery, a power supply line, and a current path. The first device battery and the second device battery are configured to supply electric power to an electric device of a vehicle. The power supply line includes a first end and a second end between which a first switch and a first diode are interposed. The first diode is directed to make a current flow from the first switch. The power supply line includes a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The first segment is coupled between the first end and the first diode. The second segment is coupled between the first diode and the first switch. The third segment is coupled between the first switch and the second end. The current path is routed from the third segment to the first segment through a second diode, to bypass the second segment. The second diode is directed to make a current flow toward the first segment. The electric device is coupled to the first segment. The second device battery is coupled to the second segment. The first device battery is coupled to the third segment through a second switch.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part of a vehicle on which a vehicle power supply apparatus according to one embodiment of the technology is mounted.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a current flow on vehicle travel.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a current flow during a vehicle stop.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a current flow at an engine restart.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a state with a second device battery failing.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a state with a first device battery failing.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a state in a system halt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a vehicle including two device batteries, even in a case with one of the two device batteries failing, an electric device such as auxiliaries is driven with electric power from the other of the two device batteries, making it possible for the vehicle to keep on traveling. This sometimes results in continuous use of the vehicle, with the failing device battery out of repair or replacement.

With the failing device battery left coupled to a power supply line, currents flow into the failing device battery from a normal device battery when a system of the vehicle is in operation or in a halt. Moreover, there is possibility of a current flow into the failing device battery from a generator or a DC/DC converter when the system of the vehicle is in operation. Accordingly, in the case with the device battery failing, it is desirable to isolate the failing device battery from the power supply line both when the system of the vehicle is in operation and when the system of the vehicle is in the halt. A further consideration is directed to a configuration in which a device battery is coupled to a power supply line through a switch such as a relay and a semiconductor switch.

In the configuration in which the device battery is coupled to the power supply line through the switch, controlling the switch makes it possible to isolate the failing device battery from the power supply line when the system of the vehicle is in operation. On the other hand, such a switch control is unavailable when the system of the vehicle is in the halt. In this case, a switch that opens uncontrolled is adopted in order to isolate the failing device battery from the power supply line. But in a case with a configuration in which two device batteries are coupled to a power supply line through their respective switches that open uncontrolled, the device batteries are both isolated from the power supply line when the system of the vehicle is in the halt. This inhibits the power supply line from being supplied with a power supply voltage or electric power for start-up of the system of the vehicle, rendering the system of the vehicle unable to start up.

It is desirable to provide a vehicle power supply apparatus that makes it possible to suppress charge and discharge of whichever of a first device battery and a second device battery has failed, regardless of whether a system of a vehicle is in operation or whether the system of the vehicle is in a halt. It is desirable to provide a vehicle power supply apparatus that makes it possible to start up the system of the vehicle from the halt with electric power from whichever device battery is normal.

In the following, some preferred but non-limiting embodiments of the technology are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is directed to illustrative examples of the disclosure and not to be construed as limiting to the technology. In each of the drawings referred to in the following description, elements have different scales in order to illustrate the respective elements with sizes recognizable in the drawings. Therefore, factors including, without limitation, the number of each of the elements, the shape of each of the elements, a size of each of the elements, a dimension of each of the elements, a material of each of the elements, a ratio between the elements, relative positional relationship between the elements, and any other specific numerical value are illustrative only and not to be construed as limiting to the technology. Further, elements in the following example embodiments which are not recited in a most-generic independent claim of the disclosure are optional and may be provided on an as-needed basis. Throughout the specification and the drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted with the same reference characters to avoid redundant description, and elements not in direct relation to the technology may not be illustrated. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a main part of a vehicle on which a vehicle power supply apparatus according to one embodiment of the technology is mounted.

A vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the technology may be an engine vehicle, and include an engine 16, drive wheels 18, a clutch 17, and a starter generator 13. The clutch 17 may intermit power transmission from the engine 16 to the drive wheels 18. The starter generator 13 may perform power generation and cause a restart of the engine 16.

The vehicle 1 may further include an electric device 11, a first device battery 21, a second device battery 22, a power supply line LB, and a current path LC. The electric device 11 may include auxiliaries. The power supply line LB is provided for transmission of electric power to be supplied to the electric device 11. The current path LC is able to bypass a current from one end, i.e., a first end, of the power supply line LB to the other end, i.e., a second end, of the power supply line LB.

The vehicle 1 may further include a diode D1, a first switch SW1, a diode D2, and a second switch SW2. The diode D1 and the first switch SW1 are provided on the power supply line LB. The diode D2 is provided on the current path LC. The second switch SW2 is interposed between the first device battery 21 and the power supply line LB.

In one embodiment of the technology, the diode D1 may serve as a “first diode”. In one embodiment of the technology, the diode D2 may serve as a “second diode”. In one embodiment of the technology, the starter generator 13 may serve as a “power supply device” and a “starter”.

A configuration including the following constituent elements may serve as a vehicle power supply apparatus 2 according to one embodiment of the technology: the starter generator 13, the first device battery 21, the second device battery 22, the power supply line LB including the diode D1 thereon, the current path LC including the diode D2 thereon, the first switch SW1, the second switch SW2, and a controller 12. As mentioned above, the starter generator 13 may serve as the “power supply device” according to one embodiment of the technology.

The electric device 11 may include an electrically-powered device that contributes to travel of the vehicle 1. Non-limiting examples of the electric device 11 may include auxiliaries that provide assistance with driving of the engine 16. The electric device 11 may include an undepicted regulator circuit and the controller 12. The regulator circuit may step down a power supply voltage of the power supply line LB to generate a power supply voltage for a control system. The power supply voltage for the control system may be, for example, 5 V. The controller 12 may operate with the voltage of the regulator circuit.

The controller 12 may perform a control of the vehicle 1. The control of the vehicle 1 may include a travel control and a system control of the vehicle 1. In one specific but non-limiting example, the controller 12 may perform an opening and closing control of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2, a control of engagement and disengagement of the clutch 17, an operation control of the starter generator 13, and an operation control of the electric device 11 inclusive of the auxiliaries. The controller 12 may include a single electronic control unit (ECU), or alternatively, the controller 12 may include a plurality of ECUs that cooperate in association by communication.

The first device battery 21 may include, for example, a lithium ion secondary battery, and output, for example, a 12-volt power supply voltage for devices. The second device battery 22 may include, for example, a lead accumulator, and output a power supply voltage that is substantially the same as that of the first device battery 21. It is to be noted that there is no particular limitation on kinds or categories of the first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22. The first device battery 21 may be of a different kind from what is described above, e.g., a lead accumulator or a nickel hydrogen secondary battery. The second device battery 22 may be of a different kind from what is described above, e.g., a lithium ion secondary battery or a nickel hydrogen secondary battery. The first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22 may be accumulators of the same kind, or alternatively, the first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22 may be accumulators of different kinds.

The starter generator 13 may utilize part of motive power of the engine 16 in the driving of the engine 16, to perform power generation. The starter generator 13 may supply electric power thus generated, to the power supply line LB. The starter generator 13 may output, to the power supply line LB, a slightly higher voltage than an output voltage of the first device battery 21 and an output voltage of the second device battery 22. Thus, the starter generator 13 is able to supply a charge current to the first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22, and to supply a drive current to the electric device 11. The starter generator 13 may also operate as an electric motor. For example, in a case where the engine 16 is stopped and heated, the starter generator 13 is able to give motive power to the engine 16, to cause a restart of the engine 16. The starter generator 13 may be divided into a generator and a starter.

The power supply line LB may be a power line from which, for example, the 12-volt power supply voltage for the devices is outputted. The power supply line LB includes one end, i.e., the first end, and the other end, i.e., the second end, between which the diode D1 and the first switch SW1 are provided. The power supply line LB includes a first segment S 1, a second segment S2, and a third segment S3. The first segment S1 is coupled between the first end and the diode D1. The second segment S2 is coupled between the diode D1 and the first switch SW1. The third segment S3 is coupled between the first switch SW1 and the second end. The electric device 11 is coupled to the first segment S1. The second device battery 22 is coupled to the second segment S2. The first device battery 21 is coupled to the third segment S3 through the second switch SW2. The starter generator 13 may be coupled to the third segment S3.

The diode D1 on the power supply line LB is directed to make a current flow from the first switch SW1. For example, the diode D1 may be directed to make a current flow from the first switch SW1 toward the first segment S1. That is, a cathode of the diode D1 is coupled to the first segment S1, and an anode of the diode D1 is coupled to the second segment S2.

The current path LC may include one end coupled to the first segment S1 of the power supply line LB, and another end coupled to the third segment S3 of the power supply line LB. Hence, it is possible for the current path LC to make a current flow from the third segment S3 to the first segment S 1, to bypass the second segment S2. The diode D2 is provided between the two ends of the current path LC. The diode D2 is directed to make a current flow toward the first segment S1. That is, a cathode of the diode D2 is coupled to the first segment S1 of the power supply line LB, and an anode of the diode D2 is coupled to the third segment S3 of the power supply line LB.

The first switch SW1 may include a switch that opens uncontrolled, i.e., a normally open switch. The first switch SW1 may include, for example, a relay, but the first switch SW1 may include a semiconductor switch. A relay that opens uncontrolled corresponds to a configuration that opens unenergized. A semiconductor switch that opens uncontrolled corresponds to a configuration that opens when an output to a control terminal is at a ground potential.

The second switch SW2 may include a switch that closes uncontrolled, i.e., a normally close switch. The second switch SW2 may include, for example, a relay, but the second switch SW2 may include a semiconductor switch. A relay that closes uncontrolled corresponds to a configuration that closes unenergized. A semiconductor switch that closes uncontrolled corresponds to a configuration that closes when an output to a control terminal is at a ground potential.

<Description of Operation>

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a current flow on vehicle travel. On the travel of the vehicle 1, the engine 16 operates, and its motive power is transmitted to the drive wheels 18. Meanwhile, part of the motive power of the engine 16 is transmitted to the starter generator 13, causing the starter generator 13 to perform the power generation. In a case where the first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22 are normal, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are kept in a closed state, by the control by the controller 12. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 2, electric power generated by the starter generator 13 is transmitted to the first device battery 21, the second device battery 22, and the electric device 11 through the power supply line LB.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a current flow during a vehicle stop. When the engine 16 stops while the system of the vehicle 1 is in operation, the power generation by the starter generator 13 stops. In the case where the first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22 are normal, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are kept in the closed state. Thus, electric power is supplied to the electric device 11 from whichever of the first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22 has a higher output voltage. For example, in a case where an output voltage of the second device battery 22 is slightly higher, electric power is supplied to the electric device 11 from the second device battery 22 through the power supply line LB, as illustrated in FIG. 3. Electric power thus supplied allows the electric device 11 including the controller 12 to operate, to maintain the operation of the system of the vehicle 1.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a current flow at an engine restart. Here is assumed a case where the engine 16 temporarily stops because of a temporary stop of the vehicle 1, and thereafter, the engine 16 is restarted to allow the vehicle 1 to travel again. It is, however, assumed that the first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22 are normal. In this case, the controller 12 switches the first switch SW1 to an open state and disengages the clutch 17. In this state, the controller 12 allows the starter generator 13 to operate as an electric motor for the restart of the engine 16. The presence of the first switch SW1 in the open state and the diode D2 inhibits a current from flowing from the second device battery 22 toward the starter generator 13. Thus, the starter generator 13 operates solely with electric power from the first device battery 21. Because the starter generator 13 has relatively great power consumption, there occurs a great voltage drop in the third segment S3 of the power supply line LB. But the first switch SW1 being open keeps the voltage drop in the third segment S3 from extending to the first segment S1 and the second segment S2. Hence, it is possible to reduce possibility that the power supply voltage supplied to the electric device 11 becomes lower than a lower limit voltage that maintains the operation of the electric device 11.

<Case with Second Device Battery Failing>

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a state with the second device battery failing. In a case where the second device battery 22 has failed, while the system of the vehicle 1 is in operation, the controller 12 continues a control of opening the first switch SW1 and closing the second switch SW2. Such a control state of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is referred to as a “control with the second device battery 22 failing”.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, in the control with the second device battery 22 failing, the starter generator 13 performs the power generation on the travel of the vehicle 1, and electric power thus generated is supplied to the first device battery 21 through the third segment S3 of the power supply line LB, to charge the first device battery 21. Furthermore, electric power generated is supplied to the electric device 11 through the current path LC, to allow the electric device 11 to operate. The output voltage of the second device battery 22 lowers because of the failure, causing the voltage of the second segment S2 to become lower than the voltage of the first segment S1 of the power supply line LB. Thus, the presence of the diode D1 prevents the failing second device battery 22 from discharging. Moreover, the diode D1 and the first switch SW1 in the open state prevent a current from flowing into the second segment S2 of the power supply line LB. This prevents a current from flowing into the failing second device battery 22.

In the control with the second device battery 22 failing, during the stop of the engine 16, electric power is supplied to the electric device 11 from the first device battery 21 through the current path LC. This allows the electric device 11 including the controller 12 to operate, maintaining the operation of the system of the vehicle 1. At this occasion, the output voltage of the second device battery 22 lowers because of the failure, and the diode D1 acts to cut off the power supply line LB. This prevents the second device battery 22 from discharging, while preventing a current from flowing into the second device battery 22.

Description now moves on to a case where the system of the vehicle 1 is in operation, with the first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22 having been normal, and with both the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 kept in the closed state, and then, the second device battery 22 fails. In this case, with the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 in the closed state, a current of the power supply line LB is drawn into the failing second device battery 22. This may cause the power supply voltage of the power supply line LB to lower even if the first device battery 21 is normal. In a case where the power supply voltage of the power supply line LB becomes lower than a lower limit voltage that makes it possible to maintain the control of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2, the first switch SW1 automatically switches to the open state. This stops the current from being drawn into the failing second device battery 22, allowing an output of the normal first device battery 21 to restore the power supply voltage of the third segment S3 and the first segment S1 of the power supply line LB. Hence, it is possible to allow the electric device 11 including the controller 12 to operate, maintaining the operation of the system of the vehicle 1.

<Case with First Device Battery Failing>

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a state with the first device battery failing. In a case where the first device battery 21 has failed, while the system of the vehicle 1 is in operation, the controller 12 maintains a control of closing the first switch SW1 and opening the second switch SW2. Such a control state of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is referred to as a “control with the first device battery 21 failing”.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, in the control with the first device battery 21 failing, the starter generator 13 performs the power generation on the travel of the vehicle 1, and electric power thus generated is supplied to the second device battery 22 through the power supply line LB, to charge the second device battery 22. Furthermore, electric power generated is supplied to the electric device 11 through the power supply line LB, allowing the electric device 11 to operate. Because the failing first device battery 21 is isolated from the power supply line LB, the failing first device battery 21 neither discharges nor has any current flowing therein.

In one alternative, in a state illustrated in FIG. 6, electric power may be transmitted to the first segment S1 from the third segment S3 of the power supply line LB through the current path LC and the diode D2.

In the control with the first device battery 21 failing, during the stop of the engine 16, electric power is supplied to the electric device 11 from the second device battery 22 through the power supply line LB. This allows the electric device 11 including the controller 12 to operate, maintaining the operation of the system of the vehicle 1. Because the failing first device battery 21 is isolated from the power supply line LB, the failing first device battery 21 neither discharges nor has any current flowing therein.

<In System Halt>

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a state in a system halt. In the system halt, the controller 12 keep from controlling the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2, or alternatively, the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 are not energized for the control. Accordingly, the first switch SW1, being normally open, is brought to the open state, and the second switch SW2, being normally closed, is brought to the closed state.

In the case where both the first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22 are normal, in the system halt, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the electric device 11 is supplied with the power supply voltage from whichever has the higher output voltage. In other words, the second device battery 22 is available for outputting the power supply voltage to the electric device 11 through the power supply line LB. The first device battery 21 is available for outputting the power supply voltage to the electric device 11 through the current path LC. The power supply voltage allows the controller 12 to perform standby operation. This makes it possible for the controller 12 to operate to start up the system of the vehicle 1, upon an operation by an occupant for the start-up of the system of the vehicle 1.

In the system halt, in a case where the first device battery 21 has failed and the second device battery 22 is normal, the output voltage of the failing first device battery 21 lowers. This causes a cut-off action of the diode D2, preventing a current from flowing through the current path LC. Moreover, in the system halt, the starter generator 13 does not operate. Accordingly, the failing first device battery 21 neither discharges nor has any current flowing therein.

Meanwhile, even if the first device battery 21 has failed, the power supply voltage is supplied to the electric device 11 from the second device battery 22 through the power supply line LB. The power supply voltage allows the controller 12 to perform the standby operation. This makes it possible for the controller 12 to operate to start up the system of the vehicle 1, upon the operation by the occupant for the start-up of the system of the vehicle 1.

In the system halt, in a case where the first device battery 21 is normal and the second device battery 22 has failed, the output voltage of the failing second device battery 22 lowers. Thus, in the system halt, owing to a cut-off action of the diode D1 and the first switch SW1 in the open state, no current flows between the first segment S1 and the second segment S2 of the power supply line LB, and between the third segment S3 and the second segment S2 of the power supply line LB. Accordingly, the failing second device battery 22 neither discharges nor has any current flowing therein.

Meanwhile, even if the second device battery 22 has failed, the power supply voltage is supplied to the electric device 11 from the first device battery 21 through the current path LC. The power supply voltage allows the controller 12 to perform the standby operation. This makes it possible for the controller 12 to operate to start up the system of the vehicle 1, upon the operation by the occupant for the start-up of the system of the vehicle 1.

<Failure Diagnosis>

In the vehicle 1 including the vehicle power supply apparatus 2 according to this embodiment mounted thereon, a failure diagnosis of the first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22 may be made, for example, as follows.

In the failure diagnosis of the second device battery 22, the controller 12 may measure the voltage of the first segment S1 of the power supply line LB, with the first switch SW1 switched to the open state. In a case where a measured value is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold voltage, the controller 12 may determine that the second device battery 22 has failed. In another alternative, the controller 12 may be configured to measure a current of the second device battery 22, to determine that the second device battery 22 has failed, in a case where a measured value of the charge current of the second device battery 22 is abnormal. The failure diagnosis based on the current measurement is able to be executed, with the first switch SW1 kept in the closed state. Hence, it is possible for the controller 12 to make the failure diagnosis highly frequently.

In the failure diagnosis of the first device battery 21, the controller 12 may measure the output voltage of the first device battery 21, with the second switch SW2 switched to the open state. In a case where a measured value is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold voltage, the controller 12 may determine that the first device battery 21 has failed. In another alternative, the controller 12 may be configured to measure a current of the first device battery 21, to determine that the first device battery 21 has failed, in a case where a measured value of the charge current of the first device battery 21 is abnormal. The failure diagnosis based on the current measurement is able to be executed, with the second switch SW2 kept in the closed state. Hence, it is possible for the controller 12 to make the failure diagnosis highly frequently.

As described, according to the vehicle power supply apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the power supply line LB is divided into the first segment S1, the second segment S2, and the third segment S3 by the diode D1 and the first switch SW1. Moreover, the first device battery 21 is coupled to the third segment S3 through the second switch SW2. The second device battery 22 is coupled to the second segment S2. Furthermore, the electric device 11 is coupled to the first segment S1. With this configuration, opening the first switch SW1 and closing the second switch SW2 makes it possible to supply electric power to the electric device 11 from the first device battery 21 or the second device battery 22, while preventing the current flow into the second device battery 22 from the first device battery 21 and preventing the current flow into the first device battery 21 from the second device battery 22. Accordingly, in the system halt of the vehicle 1, switching the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 as described above makes it possible to isolate whichever of the first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22 has failed, and to start up the system of the vehicle 1 with whichever device battery is normal.

Moreover, according to the vehicle power supply apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the starter generator 13 may be coupled to the third segment S3 of the power supply line LB. Accordingly, when the starter generator 13 performs the power generation while the system of the vehicle 1 is in operation, it is possible to transmit electric power thus generated to the first device battery 21, the second device battery 22, and the electric device 11, and to use electric power generated for the charging of the first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22 and for the operation of the electric device 11. Moreover, in the case where the first device battery 21 or the second device battery 22 has failed, switching the first switch SW1 or the second switch SW2 makes it possible to isolate solely whichever device battery has failed, and to use electric power generated for the charging of whichever device battery is normal and for the operation of the electric device 11.

Furthermore, according to the vehicle power supply apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the first switch SW1 may include a normally open switch, and the second switch SW2 may include a normally closed switch. Accordingly, in the system halt of the vehicle 1, the control of the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2 is automatically terminated, making it possible to open the first switch SW1 and to close the second switch SW2. Hence, a transition of the vehicle 1 to the system halt allows for an automatic transition to the system halt that makes it possible to cope with whichever of the first device battery 21 and the second device battery 22 has failed.

In addition, according to the vehicle power supply apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the controller 12 may control the first switch SW1 and the second switch SW2. The controller 12 may be configured to operate with electric power transmitted to the first segment S1 of the power supply line LB. With this configuration, it is possible to allow the controller 12 to use electric power supplied through a similar route to those for other ECUs. It is, therefore, unnecessary to provide a route for electric power transmission dedicated to the controller 12. In such a configuration, in the system halt of the vehicle 1, interruption of the power supply voltage of the power supply line LB may render it unable to start up the vehicle 1. However, with the forgoing configuration, electric power supply is provided from the first device battery 21 or the second device battery 22. It is, therefore, possible to suppress the vehicle 1 from being unable to start up, insofar as either the first device battery 21 or the second device battery 22 is normal.

Furthermore, according to the vehicle power supply apparatus 2 of this embodiment, in the case where the second device battery 22 is found failing, the controller 12 may open the first switch SW1 and close the second switch SW2, while the system of the vehicle 1 is in operation. Refer to FIG. 5. Hence, it is possible to isolate the failing second device battery 22 from the system, and supply electric power to the electric device 11 from the normal first device battery 21.

In addition, according to the vehicle power supply apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the third segment S3 of the power supply line LB may be coupled to the starter generator 13 that serves as the starter. The controller 12 may open the first switch SW1 at the start of the engine 16. With such a control, it is possible to prevent the considerable voltage drop in the third segment S3 of the power supply line LB from extending to the electric device 11. The voltage drop is caused by the great power consumption of the starter generator 13 at the start of the engine 16.

Although some preferred embodiments of the technology are described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, the technology is by no means limited to the embodiments described above. For example, in the forgoing example embodiments, description is given of the case where the vehicle 1 is an engine vehicle. However, the vehicle 1 may be, for example, an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). In the case where the vehicle 1 is, for example, an EV or an HEV, not only the generator but also a DC/DC converter may serve as the power supply device configured to supply electric power to the power supply line LB. The DC/DC converter is configured to step down a voltage from a main battery of a high voltage and to output the stepped-down voltage. The main battery may accumulate electric power for traveling.

Moreover, in the forgoing example embodiments, the first diode according to one embodiment of the technology is exemplified by the diode D1, i.e., a device dedicated to rectification. Instead, for example, a parasitic diode included in a normally open semiconductor switch may serve as the first diode according to one embodiment of the technology. With this configuration, the semiconductor switch may be controlled to turn on, in a period when it is known that a current flows to a first segment, e.g., the first segment S1, from a second segment, e.g., the second segment S2, of a power supply line, e.g., the power supply line LB. This makes it possible to reduce power loss generated in the first diode, leading to improved fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

Similarly, in the forgoing example embodiments, the second diode according to one embodiment of the technology is exemplified by the diode D2, i.e., a device dedicated to rectification. Instead, for example, a parasitic diode included in a normally open semiconductor switch may serve as the second diode according to one embodiment of the technology. With this configuration, the semiconductor switch may be controlled to turn on, in a period when it is known that a current flows to a first segment, e.g., the first segment S1, from a third segment, e.g., the third segment S3, through a current path, e.g., the current path LC. This makes it possible to reduce power loss generated in the second diode, leading to improved fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

In addition, the details described in the forgoing example embodiments may be appropriately changed insofar as the changes fall within a range not departing from the scope of the technology.

The controller 12 illustrated in FIG. 1 is implementable by circuitry including at least one semiconductor integrated circuit such as at least one processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)), at least one application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and/or at least one field programmable gate array (FPGA). At least one processor is configurable, by reading instructions from at least one machine readable non-transitory tangible medium, to perform all or a part of functions of the controller 12. Such a medium may take many forms, including, but not limited to, any type of magnetic medium such as a hard disk, any type of optical medium such as a CD and a DVD, any type of semiconductor memory (i.e., semiconductor circuit) such as a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. The volatile memory may include a DRAM and a SRAM, and the nonvolatile memory may include a ROM and a NVRAM. The ASIC is an integrated circuit (IC) customized to perform, and the FPGA is an integrated circuit designed to be configured after manufacturing in order to perform, all or a part of the functions of the controller 12 illustrated in FIG. 1.

It should be appreciated that modifications and alterations may be made by persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope as defined by the appended claims. The use of the terms first, second, etc. does not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another. The technology is intended to include such modifications and alterations in so far as they fall within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 

1. A vehicle power supply apparatus, comprising: a first device battery and a second device battery configured to supply electric power to an electric device of a vehicle; a power supply line including a first end and a second end between which a first switch and a first diode are interposed, the first diode being directed to make a current flow from the first switch, the power supply line including a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment, the first segment being coupled between the first end and the first diode, the second segment being coupled between the first diode and the first switch, and the third segment being coupled between the first switch and the second end; and a current path routed from the third segment to the first segment through a second diode, to bypass the second segment, the second diode being directed to make a current flow toward the first segment, the electric device being coupled to the first segment, the second device battery being coupled to the second segment, and the first device battery being coupled to the third segment through a second switch.
 2. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply device that is able to supply charging electric power to the first device battery and the second device battery, wherein the power supply device is coupled to the third segment.
 3. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first switch comprises a switch that opens uncontrolled, and the second switch comprises a switch that closes uncontrolled.
 4. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first switch comprises a switch that opens uncontrolled, and the second switch comprises a switch that closes uncontrolled.
 5. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to control the first switch and the second switch, wherein the controller operates with electric power transmitted to the first segment of the power supply line.
 6. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a controller configured to control the first switch and the second switch, wherein the controller operates with electric power transmitted to the first segment of the power supply line.
 7. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a controller configured to control the first switch and the second switch, wherein the controller operates with electric power transmitted to the first segment of the power supply line.
 8. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a controller configured to control the first switch and the second switch, wherein the controller operates with electric power transmitted to the first segment of the power supply line.
 9. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 5, wherein on a condition that the second device battery is found failing, the controller opens the first switch and closes the second switch while a system of the vehicle is in operation.
 10. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 6, wherein on a condition that the second device battery is found failing, the controller opens the first switch and closes the second switch while a system of the vehicle is in operation.
 11. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 7, wherein on a condition that the second device battery is found failing, the controller opens the first switch and closes the second switch while a system of the vehicle is in operation.
 12. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 8, wherein on a condition that the second device battery is found failing, the controller opens the first switch and closes the second switch while a system of the vehicle is in operation.
 13. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the third segment of the power supply line is coupled to a starter configured to cause a restart of an engine of the vehicle, and the controller opens the first switch while the starter is driven.
 14. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the third segment of the power supply line is coupled to a starter configured to cause a restart of an engine of the vehicle, and the controller opens the first switch while the starter is driven.
 15. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the third segment of the power supply line is coupled to a starter configured to cause a restart of an engine of the vehicle, and the controller opens the first switch while the starter is driven.
 16. The vehicle power supply apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the third segment of the power supply line is coupled to a starter configured to cause a restart of an engine of the vehicle, and the controller opens the first switch while the starter is driven. 